Sifuna wins round one, gets backing of Raila’s family

Embattled ODM secretary general Edwin Sifuna has won round one against party leader Oburu Oginga’s team, securing crucial backing from the family of the late Raila Odinga.

On Thursday, the Political Parties Disputes Tribunal (PPDT) issued interim orders halting the removal of the outspoken Nairobi Senator as ODM secretary general.

The tribunal’s decision effectively suspends the implementation of the National Executive Committee’s (NEC) resolution seeking to oust Sifuna, pending the hearing and determination of the case.

“This honourable tribunal hereby issues orders staying the implementation of the resolution made by the National Executive Committee of the Orange Democratic Movement Party on February 11, 2026 to remove Edwin Sifuna as the secretary general of the party,” PPDT presiding member Gad Gathu Kiragu ordered.

The stay order is set to heighten the scramble for control of the Orange party, a powerful political machine built over 20 years by Raila.

“Pending the hearing and determination of this instant application inter partes, this honourable tribunal hereby issues orders restraining the respondents from publishing in the Kenya Gazette the resolution made on February 11, 2026, to remove Edwin Sifuna as the secretary general of the party.”

The ruling followed an application by Sifuna, who argued that his ouster was not listed as a substantive agenda item during the NEC meeting.

He also argued that he was not given an opportunity to defend himself. The application was filed through Behan and Okero Advocates.

In an intriguing twist, Raila’s family has thrown its weight behind Sifuna.

Raila’s last-born daughter, EALA MP Winnie Odinga, stood in solidarity with Sifuna during his first press briefing, where the senator and his team criticised Oburu’s camp.

Shortly after Sifuna’s removal on Wednesday, Winnie posted on social media: “Its not well.” The message was shared by her brother, Raila Junior.

Raila’s sister, Kisumu Woman Representative Ruth Odinga, was also among the leaders who voted against Sifuna’s ouster.

The conflict places President William Ruto in a delicate position, at a time when he has been courting Raila’s family for political support.

Addressing a press conference in Nairobi on Wednesday, Sifuna dismissed his removal as “a blatant illegality”, insisting he remains in office. This escalated fresh turbulence within the Orange party.

Sifuna maintained that due process was not followed and that he was denied the right to defend himself.

The Nairobi Senator was flanked by close allies, including Winnie and Siaya Governor James Orengo.

Also present were ODM deputy party leader Godfrey Osotsi, MPs Babu Owino (Embakasi East), Clive Gisairo (Kitutu Masaba), Wilberforce Oundo (Funyula), Kisii Senator Richard Onyonka, Obadiah Barongo (Bomachoge Borabu) and Caroli Omondi (Suba South).

At the press conference, Sifuna declared that his removal was illegal, unprocedural and a blatant violation of the ODM constitution, as well as the principles of natural justice.

“At no time have I been informed of any allegations against me, be they of indiscipline, insubordination or incompetence in the execution of my duties as SG. Neither have I been invited to respond to any complaints in or out of the party, on any matter that would constitute grounds for removal,” Sifuna said.

“Consequently, no lawful organ of the party has invited me for any hearing.”

The faction vowed to challenge the changes both politically and legally, signalling a protracted battle that could deepen divisions within the party.

“ I want to raise an alarm that there is an attempt to do a hostile takeover of the ODM party. This was not baseless,” Osotsi said.

“I want to call upon the membership of this party to stand firm.”

Babu Owino, condemning the alleged ouster, said they would fight from within.

“I want to assure you that we are going to fight. A line has been drawn. If you are on our side, you are on our side. If you are on the other side, fight on the other side. But this is not going to stop anytime soon. Thank you,” Babu said.

“There is no way illegal office holders can dare remove a legal office holder.”

The leaders announced the start of countrywide rallies aimed at reclaiming and defending the party. They vowed to mobilise members at the grassroots to resist what they termed an attempted takeover.

On the other hand, officials backing the ouster insisted the NEC acted within its mandate and in the party’s best interests. They argued that leadership changes were necessary to restore unity and discipline.

“We had 34 out of 40 members of the NEC, which means the NEC was properly constituted,” ODM national chairperson Gladys Wanga said.

“Indiscipline cannot be mistaken for democracy.”